The U.S. scholarship program covers all of the country, receives more than 10,000 applications, and awards more than $87,000 a year. The Foundation's U.S. scholarship program relies on approximately 400 volunteers around the country with support from the Foundation's office staff.

U.S. applicants need not be Mensa members. However, Mensa members may apply for both these scholarship programs and the additional Mensa Member Award Program.

The Foundation's international scholarship programs are open to international Mensans (other than American Mensa). One scholarship, which also includes dependents of international Mensa members, is for those attending college in the United States. The other scholarships are for international Mensans attending college other than in the U.S.